Lesky started his career as a teacher in the Easton Area School District in 1974. The following year, he began his 37-year run with Nazareth, first as a high school teacher until 1979, when he became assistant principal at the junior high school. He served in that capacity until 1984, when he became high school principal.

School Director Darrell Crook told Lesky that he was inspired to serve on the board because of his admiration for him.

"I knew you as a principal, and I respected you," he said. "And you kept that respect over all of the years that I've known you."

The board then announced, through proclamation, that the athletic field house at Andrew Leh Stadium will be named in honor of Lesky. Director Chris Miller voted no.

Lesky leaves behind a district of about 6,500 students and nearly 700 teachers.

Nazareth ranks second on state tests among the eight school districts in Northampton County, and is 114 out of 500 in Pennsylvania.

Lesky thanked his wife, Mary, and his daughter, Nicole, for their support over the years.

Riker will be paid $150,000 a year. Prior to joining Nazareth, Riker had been superintendent in the Easton Area School District, but left in 2007 to become director of human resources and research services with the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20.

Riker also served as superintendent in the Catasauqua Area School District.